Graduate Student’s Work to Protect the Animals We Love
Raja Zabeeh Ullah Khan is a Ph.D. candidate researching a serious disease in horses, donkeys and mules called EPM (Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis), which attacks the animals’ brain, spinal cord and muscles. His work focuses on how the disease spreads, how the animals’ immune system responds and how to make diagnostic testing more accurate. He completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in Pakistan and later earned a prestigious Fulbright scholarship to continue this important research at UC Davis.
“Even at midnight, if I come up with an idea or a solution, I run to my board and start writing things down; the wheels are running. That I’m actually contributing to a broader population that is spread across the globe is a very fulfilling experience,” Khan said.
He is the first recipient of the Janet F. Roser Equine Science Award, which supports students with a demonstrated interest in equine science, management and reproduction.
The award was established by a generous gift to the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences by Jan Roser, professor emeritus with the Department of Animal Science whose cutting-edge work in equine reproduction, physiology and endocrinology will have a lasting impact. During her time at UC Davis, Roser taught three equine courses and was instrumental in the creation of six other classes. She also developed both the Stallion and Mare and Foal Management Internships at the Horse Barn.
“For 29 years, I was an equine professor in the Department of Animal Science, so I saw students coming through my classes and research, and I know how much they need to be supported,” Roser said. “It gives me pleasure to know that I’ve given something that's in perpetuity and can help students in the future.”
Supporting top graduate students means supporting discoveries that can help animals and people in California and beyond.
“For graduate students, we’re really trying to attract the best around the world. We also know that if we’re training students from other countries, there’s an opportunity to extend the impact of their work outside of California. We’re trying to make sure that we’re bringing folks in from all over, and we don’t want funding to be the limiting factor in that piece,” said CA&ES Associate Dean for Agricultural Sciences Anne Todgham, who is also chair and professor with the Department of Animal Science.
While this important work is helping the future of equine health, additional donor support can ensure more students are turning their passion into progress.
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Anne Todgham
CA&ES Associate Dean of Agricultural Sciences